Australian Service Nurses National Memorial, Canberra
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The Australian Service Nurses National Memorial is on ANZAC Parade, the principal ceremonial and memorial avenue of Canberra, the capital city of Australia.
The memorial honours past and present nurses of the Australian Defence Force, serving in the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force and associated services.
The memorial is dedicated "In memory of Australian Service Nurses whose supreme sacrifice, courage and devotion were inspiring to those for whom they so willingly risked their lives. Their memory will also be our sacred trust." Unveiled on 2 October 1999 by His excellency the Honourable Sir William Deane AC K.B.E..
[edit] Sculpture
The memorial is made of cast glass. There are two waved lines each of two sets of panels. The front wall incorporates the words, "beyond all praise".
Etched and cast into the inner walls are text and images, in a timeline sequence, portraying the history and contribution of Australian Service Nursing. The memorial also incorporates a collage of pictures and diary entries in the original handwriting.
Some panels are blank, symbolic of the inconclusive nature of any memorial to a service group. The interlocking walls are symbolic of nurturing hands. A contemplative space surrounded with rosemary (for remembrance) has a reflective pool fountain and the symbols of the armed forces. There are also places for additional plaques to name occasions when nurses have served.
